Picking NFL Week 12

I'm back after a one week hiatus (due not to an exotic vacation or a weekend of hardcore partying, I assure you).

How I did in Week 10: 8-5

Record on the season: 83-60

Packers at Falcons: Tough pick. Both teams are playing very well and Matt Ryan has an unbelievable record in the Georgia Dome: he's only lost one start at home in his first three seasons. However, two factors swing it back in Green Bay's favor: the Packers defense has really clicked the last three games – in 180 minutes of football, it has allowed only ten points – and I think Aaron Rodgers should be able to open up the Falcons secondary. Packers.

Titans at Texans: There are certainly better pass defenses Titans rookie quarterback Rusty Smith could be facing in his first NFL start. But he'll have to muster a lot of points to keep pace with Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson. Texans.

Vikings at Redskins: I'm calling for a Cowboys-like revitalization in Minnesota now that the much-disliked Brad Childress has finally got the chop. They'll play looser and more freely in Washington and that's usually a recipe for success with a talented roster like the one the Vikings possess. Vikings.

Jaguars at Giants: The Jaguars have been a bit of surprise this year; they're even leading the AFC South at 6-4 heading into the weekend. But if the Giants can bottle up Maurice Jones-Drew, who has had three straight 100+ yard rushing games, they'll like their chances of limiting Jacksonville's offense. Giants.

Steelers at Bills: The Bills may have a couple victories under their belts, but they have about as much of a chance of winning this game as Wade Philips does of getting another NFL head coaching gig anytime soon. Steelers.

Panthers at Browns: Now the Bills have won two straight, the Panthers have officially replaced them as the NFL's worst team. And they'll get a blast from the (very recent) past with their former quarterback Jake Delhomme starting against them on Sunday in place of the injured Colt McCoy. A heavy dose of Peyton Hillis should take care of this one for Cleveland. Browns.

Chiefs at Seahawks: Seattle has been gashed recently by strong running games (Raiders, Giants and Saints), so if I was Todd Haley, I'd ride Thomas Jones and Larry Charles all afternoon. This might be squeaker, particularly if Matt Hasselbeck and Mike Williams get going, but I think Kansas City has enough to take this one on the road. Chiefs.

Dolphins at Raiders: Oakland's powerful momentum came to an phenomenal halt against the Steelers last week as they lost 35-3. But it's no coincidence that the Raiders fell apart as they were being held to 61 yards of rushing and forced to pass the ball. Miami won't be able to limit Oakland rushing attack in the same way. Raiders.

Eagles at Bears: Philly's offense has being soaring in recent weeks (they're up to number 2 in the NFL in offensive yards per game), but Chicago's defense has been stellar all year. The really interesting match-up might take place on the other side of the ball with Jay Cutler facing the ball-hawking Eagles D, which leads the league with 19 interceptions. If Philadelphia's pass-rush can force Cutler into some bad throws, its secondary will gobble them up. Eagles.

Buccaneers at Ravens: The Bucs may be 7-3 but they haven't beaten a single team with a winning record. There's no reason for that to change on Sunday. Ravens.

Rams at Broncos: Denver looked like a different team when they crushed Kansas City a couple of weekends ago. But until I see more out of Denver, who have lost five out of their six, I'll keep considering that game something of a fluke. Rams.

Chargers at Colts: Vincent Jackson is finally getting back on the field for this one, but how much of an impact he'll have after months away is impossible to know. What we do know is that San Diego is ramping up one of its yearly late season pushes and Peyton Manning has a severely depleted receiving corps. Add in the fact that the Chargers have beaten the Cols in four of their last five meetings, and things don't look good for Indy. Chargers.

49ers at Cardinals: Not much of a glamor match-up for Monday Night football, but believe it or not, both these 3-7 teams could still win the NFC West. Not much to choose between the two – the 49ers haven't won an away game all year, but the Cardinals have lost five straight, home and away – but Frank Gore should be able to pick up some yards against Arizona's run defense. 49ers